James Gallagher

overdeliver on your first job

Published on May 19, 2020

On your first job, overdeliver as much as you can.

I am not sure if I have ever worked harder than I do today. Every day, I wake up and take on new challenges. I have a lot of work that I want to get through, and each day I like to try and raise the bar even further. I want to keep improving.

The reason I believe so much in working hard at this stage in my career is that I am new to the technology world. I may have a job in technology, but that doesn’t mean that all my work is over. I can’t stop because I have a job. I need to keep going.

If you want to stand out on your first job, there is one simple thing you can do: overdeliver.

The average intern who accepts a job will do all the work that has been assigned to them, and call it a day. They may be a great worker -- they may do everything to a high standard -- but they will only do what they have been told to do.

This presents an opportunity for you to stand out. If you want to be different, do more than what other people are doing. Instead of seeing what other people are doing as what you should be doing, try to exceed their goals. Aim your ambitions higher.

Doing even a little bit more than other people is powerful. That’s because most other people will talk the talk, but they will not walk the walk. They will not go above and beyond.

This is a hard path to pursue. Doing more than is expected of you is definitely a challenge, especially when you are working on your first job. But it is a good way to build character, and a reputation as someone who gets things done.

The earlier you start working hard, the easier you will find it to take on more challenges. You’ll be able to keep going above and beyond for the rest of your career, and the benefits of your efforts will only compound over time.